Immigration Lawyer Near Monterey

Immigration Lawyer Near Monterey

Immigration law is an important area of the law that allows people from other countries entry into the United States for purposes of visiting, remaining in the country more permanently, or becoming citizens. Immigration law is uniquely challenging, and working with an experienced immigration lawyer near Monterey is always in your best interests. 

Helping a Family Member Gain Legal Status

If you are a citizen of the United States and have a foreign-born family member whom you would like to help obtain legal status in the country, there are legal paths forward. The specific process and waiting times depend on different factors, and we can navigate the process for you.

Working in the United States

In order to work in the United States, if you are not a citizen, you must first obtain official permission from the U.S. government, and if you want to work in the United States permanently, you will need to obtain permanent resident status, which is usually referred to as having one’s green card. 

Becoming a Citizen of the United States

Anyone who is born in the United States automatically becomes a citizen – as a matter of the Fourteenth Amendment. Other paths forward toward citizenship include:

• Those who are born elsewhere but who have at least one citizen parent generally qualify for citizenship. 
• Non-citizens who serve in the U.S. military have an expedited path forward toward citizenship. 
• Green card holders – or legal permanent residents – may become citizens of the United States through naturalization, which means meeting certain requirements, including having a level of English literacy, a general understanding of the country’s laws and government, and an upstanding character. 

All the following people (who meet all the additional requirements) generally qualify for citizenship:

• Non-citizen holders of valid green cards who have lived in the country for at least five years
• Non-citizen holders of valid green cards who are married to citizens and have lived in the country for at least three years and obtained their green cards through marriage to their U.S. Citizen spouse
• Children of U.S. citizens
• Non-citizens who have served in the U.S. military

The path toward citizenship involves all the following:

• Considerable paperwork
• Extensive background checks
• A personal interview
• Testing
• An oath of allegiance to the United States

While the path forward can seem daunting, a dedicated immigration lawyer can help, and many who obtain citizenship in the United States consider it an invaluable accomplishment. 

Your Rights and Obligations

In order to become a citizen of the United States, you will need to pass the citizenship test, which includes the following four components:

• A speaking test related to English language capabilities
• A reading test related to English language capabilities
• A writing test related to English language capabilities
• A civics test regarding U.S. history, government, and the legal system

There are some exceptions available to taking the above tests.

Becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen allows you the same privileges and rights that those born in the USA have – with very few exceptions, such as the ability to run for the office of president.  

An Experienced Immigration Lawyer near Monterey Is on Your Side

The seasoned immigration lawyers at Miranda, Magden & Miranda, LLP – near Monterey – have the legal savvy and drive to help you favorably resolve your immigration concerns. For more information, please do not wait to contact us today.